South Meadows Neighborhood, Des Moines
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Des Moines
Is South Meadows Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. South Meadows in Des Moines, IA has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Des Moines average (crime index 128), South Meadows is 55% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Des Moines as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 49). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
South Meadows Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Des Moines city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
How South Meadows Compares
Crime index by category: South Meadows vs Des Moines average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Meadows Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Meadows Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Meadows, Des Moines?
South Meadows in Des Moines, IA has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 73, which is 27% below the national average. Compared to the Des Moines average, crime in South Meadows is 55% lower.
Is South Meadows a safe neighborhood in Des Moines?
South Meadows is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Des Moines, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 120), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 49).
How does South Meadows compare to the rest of Des Moines?
South Meadows's overall crime index is 73, compared to the Des Moines average of 128. This means crime in South Meadows is 55% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 68, and for property crime it is 90. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in South Meadows?
The most prevalent crime type in South Meadows is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 120 (20% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Meadows?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fort Des Moines, Somerset, South Park and Magnolia Park. These areas are close to South Meadows and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Meadows?
South Meadows has a population of approximately 145. The median household income is $71,687. The median home value is $138,727. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Meadows crime compare to the national average?
South Meadows's overall crime rate is 27% below the national average (index 73 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.